Bunker Roy

Founded the Barefoot College, empowering rural communities through education and solar energy initiatives.

Early Life and Inspiration

Bunker Roy was born in 1938 in India and grew up in a privileged environment. However, his worldview shifted during his travels across rural India, where he witnessed extreme poverty and lack of access to basic services like education and healthcare. This experience led him to abandon his career in journalism and dedicate his life to social justice.

Founding the Barefoot College

In 1972, Roy established the Barefoot College, a revolutionary institution that operates without formal qualifications. The college focuses on practical, hands-on training for rural communities, emphasizing sustainability and gender equality. One of its most notable programs is the solar engineer training, which teaches women from remote villages to install and maintain solar panels, transforming their roles into economic contributors and community leaders.

Key Initiatives and Innovations

The college's education programs include literacy, midwifery, and water conservation. By prioritizing local knowledge, Barefoot College ensures that solutions are culturally relevant. For example, its Women’s Training Program has trained over 1,000 women as solar engineers, providing electricity to over 500,000 people in 89 countries.

Global Impact and Recognition

Barefoot College’s work has been recognized by the United Nations and featured in global media like National Geographic and The Guardian. The organization’s Child-to-Child Program empowers children to teach literacy and health practices to their families, reaching 100,000+ children annually.